Within this sword chamber, weapon racks displayed an array of wooden swords.
There were Half-Range Blades—shorter and more curved than ordinary swords—alongside longer, straight blades.
Almost daily, Unohana Retsu required switching between different weapons for training.
This created a peculiar pattern.
On the first day, Shigure would master a particular weapon, only to begin the second day needing to familiarize himself with an entirely different one.
Initially, he couldn't comprehend Unohana Retsu's methodology.
However, after several days, he suddenly discovered a transformation.
Regardless of a blade's shape or size, he could achieve complete mastery within an extraordinarily brief period.
Only then did he grasp Unohana Retsu's true intention.
This frequent weapon rotation wasn't designed to make him adapt to specific weapons.
Rather, it was meant to make him adapt to the essence of "cutting."
Upon reaching this realization, Shigure discovered his kendo proficiency had undergone a fundamental metamorphosis.
Previously, he had wielded swords and blades as tools.
Now, he employed pure kendo techniques as extensions of his will.
Even so, the system remained silent.
This indicated his current level remained insufficient.
He sensed something crucial was still missing, yet couldn't identify what despite extensive contemplation.
Creak—
As Shigure pondered, the sword chamber door opened. He immediately looked up.
Unohana Retsu entered, dressed in traditional kendo attire.
The moment she observed Shigure, she smiled knowingly:
"Today's Vice-Captain Segawa appears... somewhat agitated."
Shigure's expression flickered with surprise.
He was indeed anxious—the additional task's deadline approached rapidly, and he refused to abandon it.
Despite this, he believed his composure remained intact.
Yet Unohana Retsu had perceived his state instantly upon entering.
Sensing Shigure's bewilderment, Unohana Retsu smiled while securing the chamber door:
"Segawa, kendo instruction resembles an exchange of hearts and minds."
"After half a month of interaction, I needn't inquire to understand your current emotional state."
Shigure appeared startled, then smiled ruefully:
"You've seen through me completely. I am indeed somewhat impatient."
Unohana Retsu smiled wordlessly and approached the weapon rack, selecting an ordinary wooden sword.
She turned toward him with a gentle smile: "Then today's lesson shall commence."
Shigure immediately centered his thoughts and raised his wooden blade.
However, Unohana Retsu suddenly hurled her weapon.
Whoosh!
The wooden sword flew directly across the chamber, striking the far wall.
It pierced precisely into a kidō inscription.
Immediately, every incantation inscribed throughout the room blazed with pale blue radiance.
The luminescence illuminated the entire sword chamber.
Shigure suddenly felt the oppressive weight upon his soul beginning to dissipate.
This signaled the kidō restrictions' imminent dissolution.
Moments later, the blue light faded, and all inscriptions became utterly dim—transforming from their previous pale white to ashen gray.
Shigure regarded Unohana, who had selected another wooden sword, her expression radiating satisfaction.
"Segawa, your fundamental kendo has achieved sufficient mastery."
"However... this remains inadequate."
"Genuine combat imposes no restrictions on spiritual pressure or flash steps, therefore..."
"You surely comprehend what our next lesson entails."
Unohana's countenance maintained its gentle warmth, yet spiritual pressure suddenly erupted from her wooden blade.
This azure spiritual energy transformed the chamber's entire atmosphere.
Shigure nodded with understanding.
Throughout the preceding period, Unohana Retsu had merely instructed him in advanced fundamentals.
Now began authentic practical enhancement.
Kendo combat utilizing spiritual pressure and Shunpo!
"Here I come, Segawa."
Unohana Retsu's tone remained tender, yet her sword intent became devastatingly fierce.
Shigure's expression hardened with resolve.
Kendo enhanced by spiritual pressure had indeed undergone complete transformation.
Unohana Retsu advanced, employing Ryōten Kakushin-ryū.
This time, however, she revealed no vulnerabilities whatsoever.
This necessitated direct confrontation.
Recognizing this, Shigure abandoned hesitation.
With focused intent, spiritual pressure instantly enveloped his wooden sword.
His aura immediately surpassed even Unohana Retsu's!
Shigure launched forward without pause, swinging his blade to meet her assault.
Wind Clear and Innocent Style · Kendo Stance · Crescent Moon!
Clang!
The wooden sword erupted with pale white sword energy, enhanced by spiritual pressure and unfurling like a crescent moon.
It collided directly with Unohana Retsu's blade.
BOOM!!
The collision's shockwave expanded instantly, hurling every object within the chamber.
Three weapon racks disintegrated immediately, wooden swords scattered wildly, embedding themselves in floors and walls!
At this moment, Shigure's consciousness surged with profound realization.
Upon executing this technique, he seemed to perceive every sword form from the preceding half-month.
Everything achieved perfect, natural convergence.
The instant this understanding crystallized, a system notification resonated within his mind.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host! Additional task successfully completed!"
"Your current kendo proficiency: Excellent!"
"Upon completing the sign-in task (King's Favor), this additional task will grant the Host an EX-rank reward!"
Joy blazed within Shigure's eyes upon hearing this confirmation.
This breakthrough had arrived so unexpectedly.
He finally comprehended what had been missing.
Authentic kendo must follow one's heart and will.
Since heart and will recognize no constraints, kendo should likewise remain unrestricted.
In essence, what he had required all along was... completely unbound combat.
Recognizing this truth, Shigure's lips curved upward involuntarily.
Observing Shigure's transformation, Unohana Retsu seemed to understand as well, her expression radiating profound satisfaction.
"Segawa, I can sense it... your restlessness has completely vanished."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters?
🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world?
✍️ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?
✨patreon.com/DarkGolds